Cosmetic applicator with specially positioned bristles

Abstract

A cosmetic applicator includes a core that carries a plurality of continuous bristle crowns, each bristle crown consisting of a plurality of bristles integrally attached thereto, such that each bristle crown has at least one, and preferably only, bristles, the central longitudinal axis of the bristles forming an angle of 137.5° with the central longitudinal axis of the bristles of the bristle crown immediately preceding it in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the applicator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cosmetic applicator according to the general part of claim 1. Background Technology

[0002] Basically, in applicators, there is a distinction between brushes with a twisted core and brushes with a core formed together with their bristles. The bristles and core (bristle carrier) of the latter are produced by injection molding or 3D printing.

[0003] In a twisted-core brush, multiple cutting bristles are placed between two or more parallel threads tied in a knot. These threads are then twisted. In the process, they clamp the individual bristles between them with considerable force. This applicator is quite robust and powerful.

[0004] The application behavior of this applicator may be affected by grinding and trimming of the bristles.

[0005] However, with this type of applicator, it is impossible to give each individual bristle its ideal, precise geometric position so as to be able to impart a specific applicating behavior to the applicator.

[0006] An alternative to twisted-core brushes is a brush in which the bristles and bristle carrier are formed by a joint. To date, these have primarily been injection-molded brushes. In the latter case, the bristles are decorated, and thus each individual bristle is injection-molded together with the applicator core. Single-component injection molding is typically used.

[0007] Alternatively, two-component injection molding can also be performed.

[0008] Another method to be mentioned in this context is the well-known moltrusion process. In this process, a tube forming the core of the applicator is inserted into an injection mold, and a plastic clump is injected from the inside. The plastic clump travels through the tube that forms the subsequent bristle carrier, with cavities for fine bristles located behind the tube. In this way, entirely different materials can become applicators, with bristles molded into the core in one piece.

[0009] For years, people have strived to find the optimal orientation of the brush bristles for each application. Especially in the cosmetics field, specifically for applying mascara, this applicator is positioned very close to the lash line to apply the mascara to the lashes or give them the desired shape. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purpose of this invention In light of this background, the object of the present invention is to provide a cosmetic applicator that is shaped together with its bristles in such a way that it exhibits optimal applicator properties. It is desirable for such an applicator to exhibit optimized applicator properties when it is brought to tangency with the eyelashes (i.e., in such a way that its longitudinal axis is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the eyelashes).

[0011] But that's not all.

[0012] When the applicator is applied to the eyelashes from the front (i.e., in such a way that its longitudinal axis is approximately coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the eyelashes), the applicator should also exhibit optimized application characteristics.

[0013] Ideally, it exhibits attractive application properties when applied diagonally to the lash line.

[0014] According to the scheme of the present invention To address this problem, a cosmetic applicator with a core that carries multiple bristle crowns is proposed. Each of the bristle crowns consists of multiple bristles integrally held on the core.

[0015] The cosmetic applicator according to the invention is characterized in that each of the bristle crowns has at least one, and preferably only one, bristle satisfying the following condition: The central longitudinal axis of the aforementioned bristles forms an angle of 137.5° with the central longitudinal axis of the bristles belonging to the bristle crown immediately preceding it in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0016] Experiments have shown that certain tolerances can be allowed to achieve the effects according to the invention. Therefore, in the most extensive but only slightly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the term 137.5° includes a tolerance of + / - 5°. To significantly improve the effects according to the invention, a tolerance of only + / - 2.5° is preferably allowed. Ideally, a tolerance range of + / - 1° is observed.

[0017] This design produces a set of bristles that gives the applicator a particularly high degree of variability during use: In the direction of the longitudinal axis, two adjacent bristles following each other at their crowns form a pair of closely adjacent bristles, or more preferably several pairs of bristles. In this sense, closely adjacent bristles are bristles separated from each other by less than 0.5 bristle base diameters. Thus, when the applicator is brought to tangentiality with the lash arch, targeted treatment of the lashes can be performed, such as applying mascara from both sides using a mascara blob, or combing or curling. It must be mentioned that the cosmetic applicator according to the invention is preferably used for cosmetic blobs, especially mascara, but can also be used for other applications, such as dental applications, such as applying dental blobs, or for interdental cleaning.

[0018] Meanwhile, in the applicator according to the invention, the further separated bristle crowns form a bristle pair consisting of two bristles arranged further separated from each other (at least 2.5 bristle base diameters), which allows the bristle pair to easily approach one of the eyelashes when the applicator face approaches the lash arch. This configuration makes it easy to impart curl to a single eyelash or individual lashes.

[0019] An applicator positioned at an angle relative to the lash arch allows individual lashes to be placed in areas with noticeable clump storage and allows for particularly dense application of cosmetic clumps.

[0020] Further development of alternative methods of the present invention Further advantages, design possibilities, and modes of action or effect arise from the following description of particularly preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0021] The effect of the invention becomes even more pronounced because the bristle positioning is even more advantageous when the longitudinal central axis of the bristles forms an angle of 137.5° not only with the longitudinal central axis of the bristles belonging to the bristle crown immediately preceding it in the longitudinal axial direction, but also with the longitudinal central axis of the bristles belonging to the bristle crown immediately following it in the longitudinal axial direction.

[0022] Advantageously, each bristle crown consists of 3 to 12 bristles aligned in the circumferential direction. Particularly advantageous conditions for the effect on the eyelashes are achieved when at least a majority of the bristle crowns according to the invention each consist of only 6 bristles.

[0023] When the cosmetic applicator is viewed in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the applicator, the interaction between the eyelashes and the applicator on the front of the eyelash arch is significantly improved if the bristles of each first and fourth bristle crown according to the invention overlap in their base regions. This is because the first and fourth bristles (despite their relatively large distance in the direction of the applicator's longitudinal axis (as defined above)) can then interact very effectively with the eyelashes extending in substantially the same direction.

[0024] A particularly effective application is achieved when the bristles each form a straight central longitudinal axis and taper continuously and preferably conically in a radially outward direction from the bristle root to the bristle tip. This is because multiple pairs of bristles are then formed by the crowns of adjacent bristles, which define a V-shaped gap between them. This V-shaped gap has a formative effect on how the bristles act on the corresponding eyelashes inserted into the gap. The deeper the bristles are pulled into the V-shaped gap, the more they are peeled away and the more they can bend or pull. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1A preferred example of the applicator according to the invention is shown from the side.

[0026] Figure 2 The interaction between the applicator according to the invention and the eyelashes is shown when the applicator is brought to be tangential to the lash arch.

[0027] Figure 3 The interaction between the applicator according to the invention and the eyelashes is shown when the front of the applicator is close to the arch of the eyelashes.

[0028] Figure 4 The interaction between the applicator according to the invention and the eyelashes is shown when the applicator approaches the arch of the eyelashes at an angle.

[0029] Figure 5 It shows Figures 1 to 4 A front view of an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 6 The overall appearance of the applicator according to the invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figure 1 A preferred embodiment of the applicator according to the invention is shown as viewed from the side.

[0032] Clearly visible is the ideal cylindrical shape of the applicator, as well as the barrel-shaped or banana-shaped curved core or bristle carrier 5.

[0033] The applicator has been produced by injection molding or 3D printing. Therefore, bristles 1, 2, 3, and 4 are formed together with the core. Thus, they are integrally connected to the core 5, regardless of whether the bristles and the core are made of the same plastic material.

[0034] The bristles marked with reference numeral 1 are aligned with preferably five or seven, ideally only five other, substantially identical bristles (as seen in the circumferential direction of the applicator core). The same applies to the bristles marked with reference numerals 2, 3, and 4, which are aligned with a similar or (more preferably) equal number of bristles (again seen in the circumferential direction of the applicator core). They thus form bristle crowns 11, 22, 33, and 44.

[0035] The applicator of the present invention has at least one set of bristle crowns 11, 22, 33 and 44 at its free outer end, as shown in the figure. Figure 1 As shown. Preferably, it has n such groups of bristle crowns, which begin at their free ends. Preferably, n > 8 and at least > 5. Ideally, the radial bristle lengths of all bristles belonging to a group of crowns are at least substantially the same. In some cases, the lengths of all bristles in all groups of crowns are the same.

[0036] Ideally, all bristles belonging to the same crown should be precisely aligned with each other. Furthermore, a deviation of ±10% in the bristle base diameter is not critical. The bristles are preferably straight, i.e., they have a straight central longitudinal axis.

[0037] Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The applicator according to the present invention demonstrates good versatility in different application scenarios.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, when the applicator is brought to tangential position to the lash arch, the lash 6 can be comfortably pulled through the space between two directly adjacent, closely spaced bristles 1 and 2. Thus, the lash 6 comes into close contact with the mascara clump stored between these bristles. The fact that the two bristles 1 and 2 are close together and thus form a clamping gap means that the lashes can also be bent or pulled out.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, if the applicator is brought to the lash arch from the front, the lashes can also be conveniently pulled between the two bristles 1 and 4, which are not placed directly adjacent to each other, but rather further apart. By placing the two bristles 1 and 4 in an overlapping manner, as seen in the projection along the longitudinal axis of the applicator, the lashes inserted between the two bristles can be clearly curved. This makes the eyes appear more attractive. In addition to this overlap of the two bristles 1 and 4, it is sometimes preferred that other bristles also overlap, either separately or alternatively; for example, bristles 1 and 2 and / or bristles 1 and 3 and / or bristles 2 and 3 and / or bristles 2 and 4 and / or bristles 3 and 4.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, the applicator can also be brought to the lash arch at an angle. The lashes can then be inserted into the spiral grooves between the bristles. This is appealing because the spiral grooves can hold a particularly large amount of clumps, resulting in exceptionally dense wetting of the lashes when they are already inserted and are now slowly pulled out again. Most importantly, the lashes appear larger.

[0041] Figure 6 The overall appearance of the applicator according to the invention is shown very clearly.

[0042] exist Figure 5 The almost “magical” angle of α = 137.5° according to the invention can be clearly seen, which allows for deviation as described. Each of the bristles 2 of the bristle crown 22 forms a decisive angle of 137.5° relative to one of the bristles 1 of the bristle crown 11, see [link to documentation]. Figure 5 The angle α = 137.5° can be as follows: Figure 5It can be used as shown, but the angle can also be used in another direction, namely clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0043] This applies equally (with necessary adjustments) to each of the bristles 2 in the bristle crown 22, as to one of the bristles 3 in the bristle crown 33.

[0044] In general, the cosmetic applicator, as a whole or in part, is preferably manufactured by injection molding and / or 3D printing. Therefore, possible materials include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polycarbonate (PC), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylic acid (PMMA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic rubber (TPR), and / or polypropylene (PP) or other materials.

[0045] List of reference numerals 1. The first bristle crown 11 2. The second bristle crown 22 3. The third bristle crown 33 4. The fourth bristle crown 44 5. Core or bristle carrier 6. Eyelashes 7 (Applying device) Longitudinal axis 8 (Bristles) Longitudinal axis 11 First brush crown 22 Second brush on the crown of the hair 33 Third brush crown 44 Fourth brush crown α Angle.

Claims

1. A cosmetic applicator, said cosmetic applicator comprising a core (5) carrying a plurality of continuous bristle crowns (11, 22, 33 or 44), each bristle crown consisting of a plurality of bristles (1, 2, 3 or 4) integrally attached to said core, characterized in that, Each bristle crown has at least one bristle and preferably only such bristles, the central longitudinal axis (7) of which forms an angle of 137.5° with the central longitudinal axis (8) of the bristles of the bristle crown immediately preceding the longitudinal axis (7) of the applicator.

2. The cosmetic applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each bristle crown (11, 22, 33 or 44) has at least one bristle and preferably only such bristles (1, 2, 3 or 4), the central longitudinal axis (7) of which forms an angle of 137.5° with the central longitudinal axis (8) of the bristles of the bristle crown immediately following in the direction of the longitudinal axis (7) of the applicator.

3. The cosmetic applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Each bristle crown (11, 22, 33 or 44) consists of six bristles (1, 2, 3 or 4), which are preferably evenly spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

4. The cosmetic applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, When the cosmetic applicator is viewed in a direction parallel to its central longitudinal axis, the bristles (1) of each first bristle crown (11) and the bristles (4) of each fourth bristle crown (44) overlap in their base regions.

5. The cosmetic applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Each bristle crown (11, 22, 33 or 44) consists of bristles (1, 2, 3 or 4) arranged one after another in the circumferential direction.

6. The cosmetic applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The majority of the bristles of the cosmetic applicator are bristles, and each bristle preferably has a central longitudinal axis extending in a straight line.

7. The cosmetic applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The majority of the bristles of the cosmetic applicator, and preferably each bristle, tapers continuously and preferably conically in a radially outward direction from the bristle root to the bristle tip.

8. The cosmetic applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The cosmetic applicator is manufactured, either as a whole or in part, by injection molding.

9. The cosmetic applicator according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The cosmetic applicator is manufactured entirely or in part by 3D printing.

10. A cosmetic application unit comprising an applicator according to any one of the preceding claims and a container filled with cosmetic clumps.

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